Click to Download or Print PDF: Spring 2023 NewsletterIn this issue, Jerry asks “What were you like when you were thirty?” and offers his own recollections. Also included is a summary of the resources available from Rothkoff Law Group, news about a proposed bill in New Jersey legislature to address financial exploitation in long-term care, and more.
In this edition of the Rothkoff Quarterly, Jerry discusses honor and respect for our military veterans, Kaitlin tackles Medicaid and insurance, we release the 2023 Medicare and Medicaid numbers, and more.
‘Tis the season for families to come together to celebrate the holidays, including with our elderly loved ones. In many instances, this time of year is the first time you may see an aging parent, grandparent, or other relatives after months apart, or even perhaps from the last holiday season. Below are some common age-related changes in loved ones to be mindful of when visiting. Significant weight gain or loss Changes in mobility or balance Fluctuations in mood or behaviors Poor memory or increased confusion It is important to address changes in loved ones such as those listed above early [...]
What is human composting, and is it a viable option for end-of-life? As an end-of-life doula, one of my goals is to bring awareness and intimacy back to caring for loved ones at the end of life and after they have taken their last breath. Steering away from the "traditional" way we have been dealing with death can give us the ability to care for our dead and dying in a way that allows us to honor them, work through fears and emotions related to death, promote healthy grieving, and bring closure to loved ones. In September, California's governor Gavin [...]
In the Fall 2022 edition of the Rothkoff Quarterly, we take a trip to Portugal with Jerry as part of an elder law delegation, prepare you for Medicare's annual enrollment period, and welcome the newest member to our team, Jessica O'Neill, Esq.
I have been a geriatric social worker for eight years and a care coordinator with Rothkoff Law Group for over three. I knew I wanted to work with the geriatric population when I was completing an internship at a long-term care facility in South Jersey during my senior year of college. I fell in love with the elderly population and knew that I wanted to help seniors have a good quality of life and be treated with dignity and respect. I also wanted to give them the chance to talk about their lives and feel heard. Working with the elderly [...]
When speaking with families, I am often asked, “What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?” These two terms are often used interchangeably, but it is important to understand there is a distinction between the two. Both hospice and palliative care are available for an individual who is suffering from a chronic disease, such as but not limited to dementia, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and/or cancer. The goal of both hospice and palliative care is to focus on symptom management and ensuring the patient’s comfort. So, what is the difference between hospice and palliative [...]
Francis Bacon once said, “It is as natural to die as to be born.” Does the thought of that make you uncomfortable? If it does, you are not alone. Death is a very uncomfortable subject for many people. The fact that we will die someday is one thing we all have in common, so why are we so uncomfortable thinking and talking about death? As a care coordinator at Rothkoff Law Group, I work with many clients and families around end-of-life issues. I recently completed the End-of-Life Doula course through the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA). One of [...]
Written by Kaitlin Dirkx, Director of Public Benefits. Fall 2022 marks my seventh anniversary with Rothkoff Law Group, working as Director of Public Benefits. It also marks the longest I have ever worked for the same employer. When people ask what has kept me here for seven years, I always return to the relationships that I build with clients and the fulfillment that it brings me. As I meet more and more families struggling with enormous financial stress and anxiety while managing a loved one’s illness, it reinforces how much I enjoy helping people in this way at one of [...]
Rothkoff Law Group follows a unique care-first approach to elder law, allowing Elder Care Coordinators (ECCs) to help our clients navigate the long-term care maze while advocating for their needs. The Elder Care Coordinators generally come from a background in long-term care, such as a subacute community, hospital, or local area agency on aging. When introducing ourselves and our roles, it is often received with an intrigued look along with, "What would a care coordinator do in a law firm?" The Elder Care Coordinators, in conjunction with other members of the firm, assist clients and their families in making certain [...]
